Hadith #2844

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إذا حَلُمْتَ عَنِ الجاهِلِ فَقَدْ أوْسَعْتَهُ جَواباً۔

This can be translated as,

When you are forbearing with an ignorant person, you have given him the best reply.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (halumta) "حَلُمْتَ" comes from the root word (halama) "حَلَمَ", which means to be forbearing, patient, and tolerant. It signifies the act of restraining oneself from responding harshly or impulsively to someone who lacks knowledge or understanding. The term (al-jahil) "الجاهِلِ" refers to an ignorant person, someone who lacks knowledge or awareness in a particular matter.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63:

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to ignorance with peace and humility. It teaches us that the true servants of Allah are those who remain calm and composed when faced with ignorance or hostility. By responding with peace, they not only diffuse tension but also demonstrate the beauty of their character and the strength of their faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 55, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'

This verse highlights the importance of disengaging from negative and ignorant speech. It teaches us to distance ourselves from harmful conversations and to respond with peace and detachment. By doing so, we protect our own hearts from negativity and maintain our focus on our own actions and responsibilities.

Now, let us reflect on the exegesis of the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, advises us to respond to ignorance with forbearance. When we encounter someone who lacks knowledge or understanding, our immediate response should not be to argue or belittle them. Instead, we should exercise patience and respond with kindness and wisdom.

By doing so, we not only avoid unnecessary conflict but also open the door for dialogue and understanding. Our forbearance can become a means of guiding the ignorant person towards the truth and enlightening them with knowledge. It is through our gentle and compassionate approach that we can have a positive impact on their hearts and minds.

Moreover, responding to ignorance with forbearance reflects the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). They exemplified this noble trait in their interactions with others, even in the face of adversity. Their patience and wisdom served as a guiding light for humanity, inspiring generations to follow their footsteps.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of responding to ignorance with forbearance and kindness. It reminds us to emulate the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our interactions with others. By doing so, we not only uphold the principles of Islam but also contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody this beautiful teaching.